This Is How Much It Costs for a Country to Host the World Cup

Emily DiNuzzoJun 14

The price tag will make your jaw drop.

Kieran McManus/Shutterstock

Every four years, soccer fans gather and watch their favorite teams and countries compete for the ultimate title—World Cup Champions. Although the competition only happens every few years, host-countries are informed ahead of time to prepare for the hefty price tag. The 2018 FIFA World Cup host, Russia, is reportedly spending around $11 billion.

That amount typically accounts for upgraded infrastructure and facilities to accommodate both tourists and players. FIFA only covers the operating costs for the event itself. Additional improvements to things like transportation and infrastructure are in the host nation’s hands. Brazil, the host for the 2014 competition, spent roughly $15 billion. That’s a massive jump from the $4 billion that South Africa spent back in 2010. (Don’t miss how much more flights will cost this year.)

There is also a persistent debate on whether or not hosting the tournament is worth it in the long-run, economically. Russia estimates, however, that hosting will boost their economy anywhere from about $26 billion to $30 billion through tourism and investment benefits.